The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18. It is one of the most valuable government benefits available to Canadian families, and many families qualify for substantial amounts even at middle-income levels.
CCB amounts are indexed to inflation each July. For the July 2024 – June 2025 benefit year, based on 2023 tax returns:
These are maximum amounts for families with net income below approximately $36,502. Benefits phase out as income increases. Many families with incomes in the $50,000–$90,000 range still receive significant monthly payments.
No. CCB payments are completely tax-free. You do not report them as income on your tax return. They do not affect your eligibility for other income-tested benefits.
To receive the CCB, you must:
Both parents must file taxes annually, even if one has no income, to maintain CCB eligibility.
The CCB is based on your adjusted family net income (AFNI) — the combined net income of you and your spouse or common-law partner, minus Universal Child Care Benefit amounts (no longer paid but still part of the formula for some).
For families above the income threshold, the benefit is reduced by a percentage that depends on the number of children and their ages. The CRA's CCB calculator at canada.ca gives a precise estimate for your family situation.
The fastest way to apply is through the Automated Benefits Application (ABA) when registering your child's birth at the hospital. Many provinces offer this — your consent on the birth registration form triggers an automatic application to the CRA. You do not need to apply separately.
If you did not use the ABA, apply through CRA My Account online. You will need your child's birth certificate or proof of birth and your SIN.
Complete Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application) and mail it to the CRA with a certified copy of the child's birth certificate.
CCB payments begin the month after the CRA receives and processes your application. Apply as soon as possible after the birth — delays mean lost payments (the CRA does not retroactively pay for months before you applied).
Payments are deposited directly to your bank account on the 20th of each month (or the business day before if the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday).
If parents share custody equally (approximately 50/50), each parent can receive 50% of the CCB amount for each child. Each parent must apply separately through the CRA. If custody is not 50/50, the parent who is primarily responsible for the child's care receives the full CCB.
Most provinces provide additional child benefits on top of the federal CCB, often calculated alongside and paid with the CCB:
Families with children who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) receive an additional Child Disability Benefit (CDB) on top of the CCB. For 2024–25: up to $3,173/year per child. Apply for the DTC first through the CRA.
Always notify the CRA promptly when:
Overpayments must be repaid. Underpayments result in missed money. Keeping your CRA account updated prevents both problems.
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